Is it possible for a cat to become hypothyroid?
A few cats will become hypothyroid and may need to take thyroid pills. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland (s) can usually be performed without complications. Occasionally complications may develop including damage to the parathyroid glands, which are closely attached to the thyroid gland,…
Which is the most common thyroid problem in cats?
Hyperthyroidism is the most common thyroid problem in cats. Katie, the cat pictured here, was one of the estimated 1 in 10 cats aged 10 years or older who are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
What are the side effects of thyroid medication for cats?
Side-effects of thyroid medications can include: 1 Vomiting 2 Loss of appetite 3 Itchiness around the face (which can cause your cat to scratch and hurt themselves) 4 A lack of white blood cells, which can cause reduced immunity to other diseases
What to do if your cat has an overactive thyroid?
Surgery: Surgical removal of the overactive gland puts the cat back into a normal state. However, an anesthetic is involved, and things can get complicated if both glands are overactive at the same time. Medication: Many drugs normalize thyroid hormone levels. Typically these are a very small, easy-to-give pills.
Is it possible for a cat to have hyperthyroidism?
This disease is common in older cats. Although the thyroid gland enlarges in hyperthyroidism, it is usually a benign or non- malignant change. Fewer than 2% of hyperthyroid cases in cats involve malignant thyroid gland tumors. Many organs are affected by hyperthyroidism, especially the heart.
What causes excess thyroid hormone production in cats?
Hyperthyroidism, also known as “hyperthyroid disease,” occurs when the thyroid gland enlarges and starts producing excess amounts of thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis). In cats, thyrotoxicosis is usually caused by a benign tumor on one or both thyroid glands.
How old does a cat have to be to have thyrotoxicosis?
In cats, thyrotoxicosis is usually caused by a benign tumor on one or both thyroid glands. Although thyroid tumors can be cancerous, the chances are less than 5 percent in cats. The majority of cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are 10 years of age or older.
Can a Siamese cat get hyperthyroidism from iodine?
Exposure to high levels of dietary iodine may cause susceptible cats to develop hyperthyroidism. No individual breed is known to have a greater risk, although the Siamese appears to have a somewhat increased incidence of hyperthyroidism compared to other breeds.